4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) has been recently suggested to be a potential human carcinogen. The chemical is formed during the manufacture of some kinds of caramel color, thus is present in cola beverages. Tyler Smith, from Johns Hopkins University (Maryland, USA), and colleagues estimated exposure to 4-MEI from caramel-colored soft drinks and modeled the potential cancer burden related to routine soft drink consumption levels in the United States. The team’s analysis revealed that between 44 and 58% of people over the age of six typically have at least one can of soda per day, possibly more, potentially exposing them to 4-methylimidazole. Reporting that: “Routine consumption of certain beverages can result in 4-MEI exposures > 29 [micrograms]/day,” the study authors urge that: “State regulatory standards appear to have been effective in reducing exposure to carcinogens in some beverages. Federal regulation of 4-MEI in caramel color may be appropriate.”
